Who was Bruce Forsyth? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

British Celebrities Born In February

Also Known As: Sir Bruce Joseph Forsyth-Johnson

Died At Age: 89

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Anthea Redfern (m. 1973–1979), Penny Calvert (m. 1953–1973), Wilnelia Merced (m. 1983–2017)

father: John Thomas Forsyth-Johnson

mother: Ada Forsyth-Johnson

children: Charlotte Forsyth, Debbie Matthews, Jonathan Joseph Forsyth, Julie Forsyth, Laura Forsyth, Louisa Forsyth

Actors British Men

Height: 5'11" (180 cm), 5'11" Males

Died on: August 18, 2017

place of death: Wentworth Estate, Surrey, England

More Facts

education: The Latymer School

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1

What were some of Bruce Forsyth's most famous catchphrases?

Some of Bruce Forsyth's most famous catchphrases include "Nice to see you, to see you nice!" and "Didn't he (or she) do well?".
2

What TV shows did Bruce Forsyth host during his career?

Bruce Forsyth hosted popular TV shows such as "The Generation Game", "Play Your Cards Right", and "Strictly Come Dancing".
3

What was Bruce Forsyth known for in the entertainment industry?

Bruce Forsyth was known for his versatile talent as a presenter, entertainer, singer, and dancer.
4

How did Bruce Forsyth establish himself as an iconic figure in British television?

Bruce Forsyth established himself as an iconic figure in British television through his charm, wit, and longevity in the industry.
5

What contributions did Bruce Forsyth make to the entertainment world?

Bruce Forsyth made significant contributions to the entertainment world through his hosting skills, comedic timing, and enduring popularity among audiences.

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Career

Bruce Forsyth started his show business career at the age of 14 with the act "Boy Bruce, the Mighty Atom". He made his first stage appearance at the Theatre Royal in Bilston. In 1939, he made his TV debut, singing and dancing in a talent show called ‘Come and Be Televised’. Then after making an appearance with Dickie Henderson in 1958, Forsyth got the opportunity to host the show ‘Sunday Night at the London Palladium’.

During the 1960s, the British artiste gave numerous stage performances. He appeared in the musical ‘Little Me’ and also went on to do the musical flick ‘Star’. He recorded his single "I'm Backing Britain" in 1968. From 1971–77, Forsyth hosted ‘The Generation Game’. The following year, he presented ‘Bruce Forsyth's Big Night’. Then from 1980 to 1987 and from 1994 to 1999, he did the game show ‘Play Your Cards Right’.

In the year 1986, he hosted ABC’s ‘Bruce Forsyth's Hot Streak’. That year, he was also cast for the sitcom ‘Slinger's Day’. From 1988 to 1990, the British host did the show ‘You Bet’. Five years later, he was given the 3rd version of ‘The Price Is Right’. In 2003, he served as a guest presenter on a quiz show titled ‘Have I Got News for You’. Then from 2004 to 2013, Forsyth co-presented ‘Strictly Come Dancing’. In 2011, he released a collection of songs on CD under the name ‘These Are My Favourites’.

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Personal Life

Bruce Forsyth was born as Bruce Joseph Forsyth-Johnson on 22 February 1928 in Edmonton, Middlesex, England, to Florence Ada and John Thomas Forsyth-Johnson. He had a brother named John who was a pilot in the Royal Air Force. He studied at the Latymer School.

Talking about the British artiste’s love life, he was married to Penny Calvert from 1953 to 1973 and had three daughters, Julie, Laura, and Debbie with her. In 1973, Forsyth married Anthea Redfern. The couple had two daughters, Louisa and Charlotte, before separating in 1979. After this, Forsyth married Wilnelia Merced in 1983 and had a son named Jonathan Joseph. The couple remained married until Forsyth’s death in 2017. Forsyth died of bronchial pneumonia on 18 August 2017. He was 89.

Facts About Bruce Forsyth

Bruce Forsyth was known for having an impressive collection of wigs, which he often joked about during his performances.

He was a talented tap dancer and even performed in various dance competitions before becoming a successful TV presenter.

Bruce Forsyth was a skilled magician and often incorporated magic tricks into his entertainment routines.

Bruce Forsyth was an avid golfer and even played in celebrity golf tournaments, showcasing his passion for the sport outside of his entertainment career.

Bruce Forsyth Biography

You wanted to know

What were some of Bruce Forsyth's most famous catchphrases?

What TV shows did Bruce Forsyth host during his career?

What was Bruce Forsyth known for in the entertainment industry?

How did Bruce Forsyth establish himself as an iconic figure in British television?

What contributions did Bruce Forsyth make to the entertainment world?